[Level of knowledge among patients treated with oral anticoagulant].
Hospitalization attributable to gastrointestinal and other major bleeding is frequently associated with acenocoumarol treatment.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the level of knowledge among patients in respect to harmful adverse effects, interactions with medication and nutrition regarding acenocoumarol treatment.


METHODS
Questionnaires consisting of 66 questions were completed in offices of family doctors (77), and during consultations at the 3rd Department of Internal Medicine (80).


RESULTS
157 patients (male:female=45:55; age=65.5 years) were involved. In the group informed by the whole team (doctors, nurses and dietitians) everyone heard about the possible adverse effects. In the group where family doctors or other specialists provided information, 14.5% or 31.1% did not hear about any side-effect. The importance of diet was unknown by 71.4% of the patients. The knowledge of interactions between acenocoumarol and other medications is low: aspirin was known by 24.4%, analgetics by 23.0% and vitamin K by 18.6% of the patient.


CONCLUSIONS
Regarding acenocoumarol treatment, patients' knowledge should be enlarged. However, it can be significantly improved by the contribution of other team members such as nurses and dietitians.
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Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Orvos- és Egészségtudományi Koordinációs Központ Családorvostani Intézet és III. Belgyógyászati Klinika, Klinikai Központ, Pécs Akác u. 1. 7632. rekavarnai@yahoo.com
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D000074:Acenocoumarol / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D000284:Administration, Oral; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000925:Anticoagulants / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D004347:Drug Interactions; D004522:Educational Status; D005194:Family Practice; D005260:Female; D018565:Food-Drug Interactions; D007722:Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000517:prevention & control; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008511:Medicine; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D013038:Specialization; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055815:Young Adult
D000925:Anticoagulants; D000074:Acenocoumarol